Cannon Fodder – Chapter 48 – Fleeting Warmth

After finishing these tasks, Chi Xiaocheng cheerfully returned to Su Tao’s side. “Tao-Tao, what would you like to drink? Is black tea okay?”

“Mm, thank you. Sorry for the trouble, Xiaocheng.”

Back in this familiar apartment, whether it was the warmth from the heater or the memories they’d shared here, Su Tao felt completely at ease as she sat on the sofa.

She watched as Chi Xiaocheng crouched in front of the TV cabinet, her cute little butt sticking up while she rummaged for the misplaced black tea. The sight was oddly amusing.

“That’s weird… I thought the black tea was in here?”

Chi Xiaocheng scratched her head, her voice adorably clueless.

Su Tao couldn’t help but remind her, “It’s in the right-side cabinet, isn’t it? We put it there together when we were tidying up. Have you forgotten already?

“Really?”

Without turning around, Chi Xiaocheng moved to the other cabinet to search.

Su Tao rested her arms on the sofa, watching her with gentle eyes.

Then, her gaze landed on a small object. “This thing is still here?”

She reached out.

Next to the remote control tray hung a tiny necklace, its pendant a delicately crafted peach. They had bought it during their summer break in senior high, tricked by a shady street vendor.

The trinket had cost them 30 yuan despite being said for 5 yuan at a toy store!

Chi Xiaocheng didn’t even turn around, as if she already knew what Su Tao was referring to. “Of course~ I love everything related to Tao-Tao. This little thing is part of our memories. Why would I throw it away?”

Words that should’ve been blush-inducing rolled off her tongue as naturally as casual conversation.

Yet, her tone wasn’t teasing or playful.

It carried the same weight as a solemn confession, filled with boundless affection.

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Guilt tugged at Su Tao’s heart, and she quickly changed the subject. “Found the tea yet?”

“Found it!”

Chi Xiaocheng held up a small tin. “It was hiding deep inside. Wait a bit, I’ll boil some water.”

Like a clumsy novice in household chores, she fumbled around before finally pouring hot water into a cup.

But just as she picked it up—

Her hand jerked. Scalding water splashed onto her arm.

“Ah—!”

A sharp cry from the kitchen sent Su Tao rushing over.

What greeted her was a reddened arm and steaming puddles on the floor.

Immediately wetting her handkerchief with cold water, Su Tao tended to the burn while scolding lightly, “Really, you’ve burned yourself again. Why can’t you be more careful?”

“S-Sorry…” Chi Xiaocheng bit her lower lip, tears welling up in her eyes.

Seeing this, Su Tao’s heart softened, and her tone gentled.

She took Chi Xiaocheng’s hand. “Come on, let’s get you patched up.”

Guiding her to the sofa, Su Tao knelt in front of her, carefully dabbing the injured arm with a towel.

“Does it hurt?”

Her voice was tender.

Chi Xiaocheng shook her head. “Not anymore.”

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As she spoke, her gaze lingered on Su Tao’s delicate, fair face before drifting to her attentive hands. A trace of satisfaction flickered in her eyes.

[Host, you did that on purpose, didn’t you?]

The System’s voice echoed in her mind.

Chi Xiaocheng merely curved her lips, offering no reply.

Who could say if it was intentional?

Just like the original host, I’m just a clumsy little thing.

Getting hurt is normal, right?

Only like this will Tao-Tao care about me… worry over me~

Unconsciously, Chi Xiaocheng’s lips curled into a predator-like smile as she watched Su Tao tending to her wound.

But the moment Su Tao looked up, she instantly morphed back into a pitiful, guilt-ridden puppy.

“Tao-Tao… am I really stupid?” she whimpered.

After applying a bandage, Su Tao stood and patted her head with a smile. “Yes, you’ve always been a dummy. Hot water is your eternal nemesis. How many times have you burned yourself now? You never learn.”

“Sorry….”

“Just be more careful next time, okay?” Su Tao said gently before putting away the first-aid kit and cleaning up the kitchen.

Then, with practiced ease, she prepared the tea.

“What would you like to drink, Xiaocheng?”

“Orange juice!”

The answer made Su Tao’s hand tremble slightly.

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But then Chi Xiaocheng added, “There’s some in the cupboard. Ah, and I don’t want the cold kind! Just one glass is enough!”

“Phew.” Su Tao exhaled in relief.

So that kind of orange juice.

For a second, she’d been terrified.

Carrying a glass of orange juice and a cup of hot black tea, she returned to the living room.

Chi Xiaocheng sat obediently on the sofa, her slender legs dangling just above the floor, white-socked feet swaying cutely.

The scene reminded Su Tao of their high school days before graduation.

Back when Chi Song had just gotten this apartment, the two of them had been both excited and curious.

They’d spent weekends here together.

Chi Xiaocheng would sit just like this, watching TV while Su Tao cooked, always keeping an eye on her.

Whenever Su Tao glanced over, the adorable girl would respond with a warm, heart-melting smile.

Could someone like this really be a yandere?

Su Tao, lulled by the fleeting warmth, suddenly remembered her original purpose for coming here.

Testing!

Boom—

Thunder rumbled outside, snapping Su Tao out of her thoughts. As she walked toward Chi Xiaocheng, her smile stiffened slightly.

Don’t hesitate, Su Tao!

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This is for Xiaocheng’s own good.

If she really is a yandere, she needs help before something terrible happens.

Approaching the sofa, she set the drinks on the table. Just as she was about to speak, Chi Xiaocheng pulled out a small packet of powder.

“Tao-Tao, want to add some of this?”

Su Tao eyed the grayish powder curiously. “What is it?”

Chi Xiaocheng poured herself a glass of water and mixed in a bit of the powder. “It’s from the hospital. The doctor said it’s a mild supplement that helps with fatigue and regulates the body. He told me to add it to my water sometimes.”

Then, noticing Su Tao’s slightly weary face, she added, “You look tired, Tao-Tao. Rough week? Maybe you should try some too?”

Seeing that Chi Xiaocheng had prepared some for herself, Su Tao didn’t overthink it. “Thanks, Xiaocheng.”

“You really should rest more.”

The powder dissolved into the black tea.

Chi Xiaocheng picked up her orange juice, taking a small sip.

Rain pattered against the windows as she closed her eyes contentedly.

Su Tao held her tea, hesitating.

For a moment, silence settled between them.

The wind howled through the gaps in the windows, an eerie, ghostly wail that sent chills down the spine.

Somehow, even the lights seemed to dim.

Clutching her cup, Su Tao turned to the tea-haired girl beside her with resolve.

“Xiaocheng… there’s something I need to tell you!”